What do you do with old or collectable tools?

[DARKSCOPE001]

Hello all I have a question I need answered because I just inherited a bunch of new (new old tools) today. My grandmother passed away back in october and we started going through the house and giving the stuff to anyone who wanted it. All the tools were promised to me (well first dibs)

Went through it today with my dad and found some cool finds but also found alot of duplicates or more or less junk. But what I did find was really neat. The only problem is some of these tools altho they are cool I dont ever see myself using. So this intern raises the question. What does one do with old tools that you dont want to use in fear of breaking or damaging them?

I was thinking about getting a box and building trays and wiring the tools down to the trays and labeling them but im not sure.

Ill take some pix tomorow of my haul but I dont know what to do yet. I got a bunch of old files that I think I am going to make into knives. And i got some old power tools but i dont know what to do with them. Especialy the old drill. I did get a 1/2 sheet sander that works but I would just be afraid I would break it.

Oh and before I forget an old craftsman router that my uncle used when he was about 16-20 to make signs and stuff. My uncle is now 53. So that router has to be at least 30 years old. So what do I do. Let it collect dust? or fire it up?

Thanks all
Sean Scott

 

[matthew]

I use them. Not necessarily as hard as I would a new tool that is replaceable, but I use them for the joy of using them. I like that my grandfathers tools remind me of him when I pull them out. But stuff that's not useful to you is a tougher question...

 

[slip knot]

I hung a lot of old tools on the walls of my shop. no need to tie up valuable toolbox room for tools you'll never use. Believe it or not but some of these old tools are better than the newer tools. I stop at every estate sale I see hoping to find some older power tools. some of my best powertools are older than I am.

 

[DARKSCOPE001]

Yea thanks for the advice. I dont know what I want to do with the wrenches. I found some old adjustables that are probably twice my age (I am currently 21) That I think I will use for personal use around the house and I will make sure they dont get abused because I think I would be heart broken If i damaged them.

The 1/2 sheet sander I really want to get working especialy for large flat surfaces. I need some help restoring him tho. Not sure what to do with the power drill. And the router I have a project lined up for already.

Thanks guys Keep the replies coming all advice is welcome

Thanks
Sean Scott

 

[rsanter]

I have a few tools that belonged to my grandfather that I keep just for the hell of it. dont use them and really dont have a use for them but keep them anyway

the rest I would sell off if you dont want them

bob

 

[Busted_Knuckles]

I dump them here in the classifieds or on ebay. Ive never met an "OLD" tool, I didnt want to sell......

 

[Justanoldguy]

I have a glass display cabinet in my workshop.
All old tools end up there.
Wood working tools I'm talking about.
Old planes etc.

 

[jwitt]

I keep the old tools (mostly Plomb) that I collect in my old boxes.
The top box is Plomb and the bottom is an old two wheel roll cart that came from the Navy base. They also still get used.

Jim

 

[Tjc]

I keep my grandfathers in a old tool box, and keep everything old in there so its a cool little display. I never use them but like showing them off!

 

[creativecars]

Use them to build something and get an appreciation of the workmanship and craftsmanship that it takes to use an older tool. Maybe start or make a tool box for a future generation. And as others have mentioned they can be displayed. It will give you an appreciation of years gone bye.

 

[bonneyman]

Tools I can use or having sentimental value I keep. I then go thru family and friends and see what they want. Whatevers left get sold.
And don't cut yourself short - just because you don't recognize a tool or brand doesn't mean it's junk. There's collectors out there for EVERYTHING! It's just a matter of getting what you have known.

 

[woody 73]

Having seen many hardware stores in my day,one of the best used to be not far from Darkscopes area. In fact he would love to see that store! Inside that store the owner would mount all the old tools on the wall very cool looking.

 

[larry_g]

At 21 you probably don't have a

pot to piss in or a place to put it

. So a lot of these tools are sort of a liability to you space wise. I am 58 years old and I have tools that I inherited from my FIL who was a diesel mechanic. A lot of the tools I still use. Some I don't have a use for but keep in a box just in case. My suggestion to you is the same as I did. Use what you can and store the rest till you have your feet on the ground and can make a decision then. If you break something O well. Then put it on the wall. All the visitors to your shop will admire the relic on the wall and will have no idea if it is operational or not. A 30 year old tool is not that old from my perspective. Most of mine are at least that old and a good part of them much older. That said I do use the tools that I inherited in a way that would respect the skills and pride my FIL had. The tools I buy I will abuse and modify as needed to get the job done. His tools are still his and I intend to pass them on. My tools will pass the the next generation in whatever shape I leave them.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[turrican]

Anything that could be a regularly used tool gets put with the main tool set (sockets/wrenches/pliers, especially). I like seeing a useable tool that's been around still get regular use. I'm pretty sensible with my stuff in general (don't use ratchets as hammers, if I can avoid it, etc) so breakage usually isn't a problem.

That being said, I do have some that I'm more careful with because of sentimental value, or vintage coolness factor, etc.

The stuff that's obviously spare junky stuff I relegate to the "these are screwdrivers but feel free to use them as prybars and chisels" or "sure, use this socket to hammer out something" drawer.

I tend not to sell tools; too many occasions where I had a tool I didn't initially like that redeemed itself later, becoming a go-to for a specific job.

 

[Bigpigdave]

I keep my grandfathers in a old tool box, and keep everything old in there so its a cool little display. I never use them but like showing them off!

Do they ever try to get out? It's amazing how one little punctuation mark can really change the meaning of what you are trying to say.
Dave

 

[creativecars]

At 21 you probably don't have a .
lg
no neat sig line

Just because he is young does not mean that he does not have a "pot to piss in or a place to put it"

Show us what you build with your new tools Sean.

 

[Gary S]

If an old tool is something I need and can use, it goes in the toolbox with the newer tools. If it isn't something I have a need for, I dispose of it.
For me, tools are to be used, not piled up and looked at.

 

[larry_g]

Just because he is young does not mean that he does not have a "pot to piss in or a place to put it"
.

And that is why I said 'probably', and put it in quotes...

lg
no neat sig line

 

[mkdive]

The only tools I "collect" are no surprise.......Plomb. I actually use them frequently.

 

[sawatch]

I'm a carpenter by trade but grew up on a farm so old tools have always been of interest. These shots are in my small shop area, most tools are from the 1800s, mechanics tools are in the large area area of the shop. A good example of "collecting gone mad"!

 

[creativecars]

Very nice Sawatch.

 

[DARKSCOPE001]

Thank you everyone for your replies, yes Im young and I still live at home but I am blessed to have parents that Dont care what goes on in the garage and basement as long as they have a place to park the car and do laundry and the like.

I appreciate everyones replies but I deffinately have to say sawatch I love your displays! Especialy the old hand saws. I actualy came acrost an old handsaw (probably my grandfathers but I dont know I never got to know him) Beautifull wood handle. Reallllllllly long (never seen one this long before) but I dont want to use it because I dont want to dull or damage him but man its to cool to give up. So If its ok with you im stealing your idea.

Thanks again everyone
Sean Scott Ill get some pix. I just got off work so my feet kinda hurt and im letting my shoes air out but as soon as I relax for a bit and get off my fat lazy *** Ill go get some pix taken.

Thanks
Sean Scott

 

[71 Dodge Demon]

I use them they have a habit of not breaking unlike newer tools

 

[crewchief888]

i have all the tools my dad had, and they're all at least 52 years old.

the sk tool set he bought just before was born, i have a couple of his old hand saws, brace & bits, and a few old planes.
i dont use the woodworking tools much, if at all.
but i'll never get rid of them.



miss ya dad

 

[JeremyManning]

I use my old tools, most have lifetime warranty, and the older ones tend to not need to be warrantied if you are using them for what they are meant for

 

[JohnFreeman]

" I use them. Not necessarily as hard as I would a new tool that is replaceable, but I use them for the joy of using them"


I agree.. there's a wonderful feeling using a tool that many hands have held before....

 

[willy3486]

I use mine. Most of the tools I get anymore are old. I have had it with the lack of quality in tools I can afford today. I just bought a bunch over the last few months. If they are electrical and have aluminum bodies I just replace the cord most of the time. I don't know how many new tools I have had to die but the old ones keep going. I do plan when I reorganize my shop to put some up on the wall that I don't use.